This is where I talk about my life or any personal musing I may have in mind. My views and opinions are strictly personal and may or may not be influenced by other people. I do not copy the ideas of other people and I also do not copy anything unless stated in the credits.
Apparently, I spoke too soon when I said that I most likely wouldn’t be able to have any escapades this year (I stand corrected). But I’m glad that I was wrong, I’m even happier that my summer adventure came early this year and I’m happiest that I FINALLY got to go on an adventure with people I’ve been friends with ever since grade school!
Friends, meet a very small portion of our group: TOYBUDS.
I really don’t know why we call ourselves that or how that name came to be but we’re too lazy to change it so, I guess that’s what we’re gonna keep calling ourselves for the next 50 years. LOL.
Just out of curiosity… what is your groups’ name? 🙂
I’ve known these bunch of cuckoo cuckoo heads for a very long time and I’ve kept them in my life despite transferring schools in second year high school and despite going through college and everything in between and after. We all try to our best to keep in touch and get together every once in a while and of course, spend trips like this together as well.
This weekend we went to our friends’ beauuuuutiful rest house in Badian (not Barili. Doi!) and went to Lambog to catch some rays over drinks and icky sand. It really was a beautiful experience and it was definitely the quick fix to the rump I was going through over the week. Sometimes life can be so complicated and uncomplicated at the same time. Sigh.
The outdoor shower. My favorite part of the house.
Alyssa getting in the way of my shot. And the Mcdo cup we used to drink on the way there. LOL
The beach front @ Lambog. Entrance fee: 0.00
I hope the start of your summer is as happy as mine is!
I admit I’ve been a bit off with my timing lately. I totally forgot about the graduation season (although one of my very close friends just graduated) and it’s a ga-zillion degrees outside yet as I am typing these very words, I am covered in 2 layers of clothing and a jacket. #insaneinthemembrane
I can only think of a million posts I could’ve shared with you guys like “tips of what to wear for graduation” or something of the like but instead, I’m going to share my sentiments with you. You know, I sort of think that’s better.
Sorry but I just HAD to post my graduation picture (to be appropriate) but don’t worry, I won’t steal your facebook thunder by making this my profile picture. Not pointing any fingers. Or am I? *smirk*
Let me tell you a funny story…
I only found out I was viable to graduate on the night before our graduation itself… at around 8:00 in the evening! Clearance signing is a bit different if you’re a nursing student and let me tell you, the road to my graduation was a long, bumpy and agonizing road!
To make a long and very emotional story short, I eventually did graduate after a lot of tears, pleading and raging. On the day of my graduation, and I think everyone of CDU BSN 2012 can attest to this, I was perhaps the most emotional person amongst all 700+ of us. Man was I a mess! I cried to entire time from the graduation march to the receiving of diplomas and I was even crying when I received my special sports award. There are no nice pictures of that day, I tell you!
And honestly, I wasn’t crying because I was sad that I was leaving college. I was crying because I was relieved that I was finally done with it because I strongly disliked college. I was lifted because my 4 years of torture had come to an end, I was free from fulfilling other people’s dreams (nursing. Need I say more?) and I was ecstatic to finally start fulfilling my own.
So my message to all the graduates is:
Congratulations! It’s time to start making your dreams a reality. Carefully but diligently fill your book with lessons from the real world- travel, fall in love with life, get a new hobby and learn as much as you can. Learn the things that college could never teach you and let nothing hold you back now because, nothing should be holding you back! Correct your mistakes, make up for lost time, get lost and find yourself in the wreckage. Do something out of the box, findyour dream job and try not to settle for less. Find your direction or at least try to map out where you want to be and where you’re headed. Don’t let the past traumatize you and don’t let the future intimidate you. And please, do it for me, enjoy every passing moment. The world is yours for the taking and isn’t that invigorating?
Change is inevitable and even my mom can vouch for that (despite how old she is) so don’t just roll with the punches, be a bad ass bitch and punch back! Be grateful everyday no matter how hard it is and always try to remember, things could be worse- you could be wearing an expensive mink coat and have animal rights activists cover you in paint and set you on fire! And lastly, don’t forget the people who’ve always had your back. Success isn’t fun when you have no one to share it with.
Be realand if you’re closet gay, it’s high time you admit. You don’t have to carry that baggage anymore and everyone will just be relieved that you’re not the only person who doesn’t know it anymore. (Ok the last one doesn’t really count. Just a dose of my weekly frustrations. hehe)
And since you have a few more months before you actually have to find a job, why not try something amazing on your last “real” summer by enhancing your photography skills with Australia based Filipina photographer, Malu Dingal! (great segway, right? uh huh, uh huh)
For only 8 days, Malu Dingal, will share her expertise on Engagement/ Pre- nup photoshoots from May 15 to May 23 at The Movenpick Hotel, Mactan.
For those who are hoping to make a career out of photography or for those who want to brush up on any skills or learn from someone else, this opportunity is definitely something you should look out for!
[secretly screaming inside: why is everybody getting married?!?! in a frustrated/ terrified voice. There is still PLENTY of time for me, right? #nopressure]
For more details/ inquiries check out Malu Dingal’s official website:
HAPPY SUMMER, EVERYONE!
Fashion posts coming up soon!
xx,
Issa Perez
Aside from the new layout, a lot of things in my life has changed lately. I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned this but in case you’ve been out of the loop of what seems to be my crazy life, I am currently running our family business. And this may sound like something wonderful in it’s own state but let me tell you, it’s… well, I’m still not sure. lol
As much as I love being able to manage my own time, I don’t necessarily start work at 8:00 and end at 6:00- I am almost alwaysworking. And that doesn’t even touch the surface of things! Since I’m in charge of everything except for finances, I need to do time tabling for our production, purchasing and meet with clients (which is often times the most tiring part of the job).
Aside from working with my family, I also had to “sort of” move back in. I say sort of because I sleep at my parents house on the weekdays and I go back to my place on the weekends. But since Paolo moved to the province and I try my best to spend weekends there, I sort of feel like I don’t really have a permanent address anymore.
I entitled this post A New Perspective because my life has really changed in the last few months. I’ve been taking on bigger responsibilities, I got an assistant and I’m just really trying to be a big girl now and mark my territory on this tiny city I call home. I don’t think I see things the way I used to see them and since this is after all a fashion blog first and foremost- I guess I can say the same about clothes.
I’m pretty sure every girl in the world has done this at least once in her life!
One of the down sides about not having a permanent place to stay is that you have to plan your outfits ahead unless you can afford to travel from one place to another AND still have time to visit clients. So to address the problem, I’ve resorted to drawing because 1. I find it very relieving and 2. It helps me organize and picture out what I like. I also label them because well, I’m a very weird person and I don’t know why this still surprises you!
One thing I’ve learned from avoiding the commute from the South to the Metropolis is that you can never go wrong with a white polo shirt. Duh! It’s not uncommon and I’ve practically overused this rule but gosh, who am I kidding? I’m a white polo girl foreverrr. There’s just something about a crisp white polo that fixes everything and instantly screams, “I mean business! TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!” which is usually what I’m trying to portray when my clients think it’s funny that a 12 year old is handling a family business. #thatshitseriouslygetsold
So whether you’re 12, 20 or 60- never be ashamed to whip out that bad boy! With the help of the right accessories, it’s easy to achieve the look you want. I decided to wear my bib necklace that I got as a birthday gift from Justinne because I thought they went along great with the new loafers I scored when I went to the province. I’m always such a sucker for cheap finds and I kid you not, I will over use them!
Loafers from Car car @ P240.00 Scratch on my left foot from falling into a canal playing with my dogs @ Priceless
Belated Pit Senyor to all my Cebuanos out there! I hate to be on the Sinulog hangover bandwagon but hey, I’m not going to enjoy Sinulog as much when I’m old and saggy so I might as well gloat in it now.
Oh Sinulog, the mother of all Filipino street parties, you just keep getting better and better!
I’m proud to say that this year was my most sober Sinulog to date but the experience was bountiful and memory filled… exactly how I like my festivities- Sober enough to remember it 😉
Every year since 2005 (in my 2nd year of high school), I would plop myself down on a chair and just spend the entire afternoon trying to summarize the year that passed. It’s been 8 years since then and the tradition lives on and it shall continue to live on for as long as God permits me to.
Xanga, where this tradition all started, may be gone and issaplease and issatalks are currently what define me – nothing is more nostalgic than the things that make you feel alive.
I am FINALLY working for the family business, the business I’ve been wanting to work under for as long as I can remember. I’m here now, I’m going to make the most out of it.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
God, I hope not.
3. New house?
If the pay is good, the rent is cheap and place is close to work then yes, by all means!
4. What will you do different in 14?
I really don’t know. To be honest, I haven’t really thought that much about the new year. Maybe I’ll just play it by ear.
Oh, maybe in 2014 I’ll try to remember more.
5. New Years’ resolutions?
To be more accommodating to my mom & siblings and be around more since my papa isn’t around…
6. What will you not be doing in 2014?
I cannot say. There are no limits in this life… or so I’ve learned.
7. Any trips planned?
China (for business & pleasure)
Somewhere local (with Paolo)
Bangkok (with friends)
… But I’ll have to get a passport first. -.-
8. Wedding plans?
Yes, but not mine.
9. Major thing on your calendar?
Maybe a second triathlon
A thrid year anniversary
Uhm… nothing, really.
10. What can’t you wait for?
A car
a new place to live
Paolo’s 711 to open
A possible new business
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
I’d like to be more emotionally in control this year. Meaning, less crying, less over analyzing, bickering, competing.
I feel like I have all this negativity cramped up in such a small body and I just want to be a better person- physically, emotionally and maybe even spiritually.
I want to be more in control over myself and handle everything in a manner wherein I feel like I’m in killer heels and an expensive dress- even in my sleep.
12. What about you will you be changing?
Refer to 11. & 5.
13. What happened in 2013 that you didn’t think would ever happen?
I NEVER thought I would get fired laid off
The earthquake
Yolanda
My sudden obsession over shoes & dresses
My addiction to board games
Learning how to cook
Given power in the company (the best, by far)
14. Will you be nice to the people you care about?
I will try. The ones we care about are always the easiest to hurt.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2013?
No, I still dress up like my cabinet puked on me.
16. Will you start or quit smoking?
Continue until further notice. (I’m just being realistic!)
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
Yes, everyday I am working on it.
18. Will you do charity work?
Hopefully. Been eyeing a few organizations already.
19. Will you go to bars?
I am ready to give that part of my life up already.
20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?
Aren’t I always?
21. Do you expect 2013 to be a good year for you?
I am depending on it!
22. How much did you change from this time ‘til now?
When exactly was from this time? Did I always answer this question so sarcastically? (Hold on let me check)
(2011)
I am always changing because that is the most natural thing to do.
meh, more or less.
23. Do you plan have on having a child?
At the start of 2013, I was pretty sure that I wanted 5 children. Close towards the end, I wanted 2.
Now, I’d be ok with a dog.
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with?
Perhaps. But I wouldn’t mind getting rid of a few.
25. Major lifestyle changes?
More work, less Paolo, hopefully more time for friends.
26. Will you be moving?
You mean out of the country? Hopefully never.
27. What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 2014?
Bankruptcy
28. What are your New Year’s Eve plans?
Same as every year, church, dinner, family & neighbors, Paolo and friends.
29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?
The only person I want to kiss for the rest of my life.
30. One wish for 2014?
To never have to stay stuck and if by chance I should, to always know how to get out of it.
My favorite moments of 2013:
Co- styling for iFeet
Getting an extra organizer from my clients all the way in Manila 🙂
Sinulog
When Food and Fashion Meet/ The Cooking Fashionistas with Justinne
Commander Cluck- Cluck. Perhaps the best chicken I’ve ever tasted. lol. Not really.
Saying good bye to these wonderful fellows.
Trips with friends
Going to the zoo!!
The egg that got me a sack of Super Crunch. Which I haven’t gotten yet, RYAN YAP!
Social Media Influencers Summit with Maria Resa
Getting featured on Zalora
Getting my own domain!
Finally quitting Accenture after a year
Watched my first IMax movie. Obviously, it was Iron Man 3
Missed our first family trip abroad but got these burgers instead (stupid corporate job)
Fell in love with Duz Grill
Got and lost a new pet
R.I.P, Hook
Learned how to cook… 1 recipe! HAHA
FINALLY started WORKING in events (a dream come truee)
FINALLY read Thirteen Reasons Why
Got invited to blogging events
Chictopia commented on my picture
Became Head of Global Marketing for Kia Motion
Turned iTrabaho into my “baby”
But you can’t raise a baby without any means to sustain it. –l– to you!
Got my traveling scarf
Came back to the mother ship!
JOINED A TRIATHLON!!
Kicked everyone’s ass at poker on my birthday month 😉
Turned 2 years and went to Camotes 🙂
Got bangs
Got nominated
Our annual Christmas family photos 🙂
Did some modeling
Got a Kindle and a Cloudpad (well , I’m sharing with Paolo anyways)
Now I remember why I love doing this so much. Because I always hesitantly start it not sure if how I’m going to feel at the end of my post. Not sure if it was a year well spent or a year wasted.
But every single time, no matter how bad the year was, I always end it feeling blessed. Because that’s what I am… blessed.
Have a blessed and a prosperous year to come, everyone!
I hope everyone had a really good Christmas surrounded by loved ones, presents and lots and lots of food!!
I decided to whip out my trench coat again since it was a bit chilly outside but of course, it was more for aesthetic purposes than it was for functionality. As much as I would love for it to snow in the Philippines, I’m glad it doesn’t. Can you just imagine how many of our homeless brothers and sisters would suffer if we actually did have snow here? #foodforthought
As for my other weapons of choice for the holiday, I’m proud to say that I got away with wearing something a bit revealing without getting my head chopped off by my family and of course, boyfriend. I’ve been dying to try out the whole cropped top trend and I was lucky enough to snap one at Forever 21’s sale. It only cost P269.00 and as compared to the items sold online, this is one made from cotton instead of spandex which is exactly how I like it.
If you follow me on Facebook and Twitter, you’d know that I have recently been nominated for the Best Cebu Blogs award. It really is a great feeling considering that I started blogging for the love of fashion and now I get the chance to be awarded for it!
The organizers of the event, Best Cebu Blog,s have already asked the nominees to prepare a short 2 minute speech in case we win and I’m pretty sure my speech will be in the context of jumping down on one knee with my arms raised up while saying “SUPAHSTAAAAH”
Not only will the event be filled with amazing people of the internet world but we will also be joined with an awesome bunch of sponsors and partners such as:
GOLD SPONSORS
DONOR SPONSORS
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND AVP ARTIST
If you want to vote for me, you can do so by clicking the picture below and liking the post it links you to. Thanks!
That’s all I’m going to say and dammit, you’ll believe it!
I am currently typing this blog entry with a sun kissed tan and the sound of the waves still resonating in my head. I’d like to call this a beach hang over… one that I would like to share with all of you!
Over the memorial weekend (memorial of the deceased and memorial of the saints), Paolo and I took a trip up north to Camotes Island in memory of (haha, jk) our annivesary.
It literally took me months to plan the entire trip and I wanted to make sure that everything was perfect and according to plan because quite frankly, Paolo deserved it.
After much research, I finally settled on staying at Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort and I was pleasantly surprised. Actually, my socks were blown away.
Initially, we booked their standard room that cost P2,500.00/ night. All I did was reach their office through their landline, make a reservation and drop by to make my payment at their office located in Subangdaku (Kimwa compound). Their staff was also kind enough to teach me how and where to go to book our tickets after realizing that I have never planned an out of town trip ever in my life! (via Jomalia shipping lines. Economy: P180.00/ Air con: P200.00) *noob*
When we got to the resort, we opted to get an upgrade and transfer to the Cabana so we could have a little patio to stay and drink coffee at and a place to hang dry our clothes.
Here are some of the photos of our room:
Twin beds. We decided to join them together which their staff happily helped us do.
His and Hers. Flat screen tv and fridge for Paolo. Lots of storage space and a vanity mirror for me. Plus, complimentary water and coffee.
The bathroom. They’re never greedy when it comes to fresh towels but I’m not so sure about their heating system and if they actually have one or not. Nevertheless, I got to shower in warm water at least once.
The little patio where we would have our morning coffee
It was actually my third trip to Camotes and Paolo’s first. What I loved the most about Camotes was their vast shoreline especially during the low tide and the impossible to miss sand patterns that I’ve never really seen anywhere else.
Unfortunately, Paolo and I weren’t able to see it this time. Our theory is that Mangodlong was built on a rock which explains why the water gets really deep really fast and the fact that the sand patterns can’t be seen on that side of the island. That, and the neighboring resorts were also… rocks.
Sand patterns or no sand patterns, that definitely did not stop us from being sun children and making the most out of the sun and sand. The water was so clear and so peaceful that even if we were the stingy to rent out snorkels, we were still able to get a glimpse of the underwater activity by just standing right above it.
When we weren’t at the beach, we were frolicking away in their huge infinity pool. They even had a bar where you could order drinks from and well, you know I just had to get my drink on! 😉
What I really liked about their pool was that it wasn’t very deep which made it completely safe for kids to spend the whole day at and… of course, it’s plus points for us short people. lol
open area fronting the pool and beach
Me pretending to do a yoga pose. (behind me is a dock where we saw a lot of tourists jumping off it)
The absolute best part about our stay in Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort was that I was able to plan a surprise anniversary dinner for Paolo and I.
I didn’t really think it would be possible since it’s in a different island but Mangodlong Paradise made it happen and for a lack of a more splendid word… it was perfect!
The set up. A candle lit dinner by the beach with background music and flowers.
Our set up
Cheer for 2 years!
Our main course: Fillet Mignon Appetizer: Spicy Chicken Wings Soup: Onion Soup Dessert: Cookie Ala Mode (Cost: P2,000.00)
My final surprise: candles and flowers on the floor of our room and a very special video presentation *gushing*
I also thought it would be a good idea to include Mangodlong Beach Paradise’s menu in this blog entry since it was one of my concerns prior to the trip. Since I knew would end up mostly dinning in the resort, I was a bit concerned with our budget. Luckily, we made everything work out! And because I love you all so much, here is their menu (because I couldn’t find it anywhere else):
Did I just type the entire menu or Microsoft Paint? I believe I just did. LOL #goodblogger
I was really glad that I chose to spend our anniversary weekend in the wonderful island of Camotes. But above all, I was really glad that we spent it at Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort.
I’ll admit, it’s not exactly a “back packers” fun bag but for people who just want to kick back, relax and splurge a little… I honestly doubt that you can go wrong here.
So this is how I decided to turn 23 this year… in a tiny red dress at the corner of my tiny room feeling like I had the worst luck in the world. I was wrong. Thank God.
Let’s be honest, I’ve never been the happiest person in the world, I’m always busy being mad at something or bitching about anything. But to be sad on your birthday is something I would never wish upon anybody.
It really just felt like the day would never end and although I didn’t have a good reason to be sad (aside from the fact that I had no internet AT ALL), I was anyways.
But I guess life is weird like that. I guess I was lonely because it was my first real birthday without my family (last year I was in Bantayan) or maybe I’m bipolar and doomed for all of eternity. But whatever I was going through just got a whole lot better over dinner with my family and Paolo.
Me, the family girl, who would’ve known.
My life has changed soo much. I’m definitely not the 22 year old who didn’t know what she wanted.
I’m the 23 year old who knows what she wants and just wants to get it.
You know… the swim, bike and ride kind? Dirty minds, dirty minds.
Hi, you already know me as Issa, the “fashion” blogger slash “food” blogger but more importantly as the none stop talker. But I am also Issa the girl :
1. with Mitral Valve Prolapse
2. Pre-diabetes
3. with Genu Recurvatum
4. Scoliosis
who likes:
swimming, biking, running, tennis, volleyball, soccer, baseball, ice skating, karate, beer pong (HAHA), ping pong and all those sports.
I started loving sports at a really young age and as much as I can remember my childhood consisted of afternoons spent training on a court or in a pool. On days when I wasn’t training, I was competing in something and most often than not, getting my ass whipped. That’s the trouble when you’re the jack of all trades but a master of nothing. boo.
If you read my bio, which by the way needs updating, I have mentioned my plans on joining a triathlon in due time.
But fast forward to present times, with a busted knee and a months worth of training, I was lucky to have been able to compete along side my friends at the Hunat Sugbu Triathlon last October 6, 2013 at Oslob, Cebu.
Representing TEAM SMILE!
Singlets courtesy of Citi Wear Dress Shop
Together with my 2 good friends, Jeremy Hong (swim) and Kevin Yu (run), we endured the heat, sweat and waves and competed in our very first triathlon relay.
I finally got to take out my bike/ boyfriend, Mr. Glide, and show him what a 40 kilometer bike ride along the gorgeous picturesque roads of Oslob were like. But don’t let me be the one to tell you amazing it was, it’s really something you’ve gotta try out for yourself!
It wasn’t my best biking performance and if you’re ever going to take any piece of advice from me, it should be this:
NEVER try anything new on the day of the race. EXPERIMENTING should be done during training and not during a competition.
Like, don’t try out energy gels 15 minutes before the race if you’ve never done that before. Or you will end up puking. #fml
But it was totally worth it!
With Coach Allelu Casidsid, my swim and bike coach, running buddy and long time friend
Team SMILE
With the best boyfriend ever! 🙂
Photo credits to John Borga, TEAM SMILE’S official photographer
Also, if you’re into biking as well, let’s all do something for the community and SIKAD for Bohol. It’s been a really rough week for all of us Cebuano’s and Boholoano’s but god willing, through our reliefs and efforts, maka bangun ta.
SIKAD SUGBO PARA SA BOHOL. TONIGHT at the I.T. Park Grounds at 7:00 pm.
For only 8 days, Malu Dingal, will share her expertise on Engagement/ Pre- nup photoshoots from May 15 to May 23 at The Movenpick Hotel, Mactan.
For those who are hoping to make a career out of photography or for those who want to brush up on any skills or learn from someone else, this opportunity is definitely something you should look out for!
[secretly screaming inside: why is everybody getting married?!?! in a frustrated/ terrified voice. There is still PLENTY of time for me, right? #nopressure]
For more details/ inquiries check out Malu Dingal’s official website:
Issa Talks... Alot 